Sound Destruction

"A statesman gains little by the arbitrary exercise of ironclad authority upon all occasions that offer, for this wounds the just pride of his subordinates, and thus tends to undermine his strength. A little concession, now and then, where it can do no harm is the wiser policy." - MARK TWAIN

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

HOW MANY BAND REFERENCES...

...can you find in this picture.

there are 75.

72 confirmed are now in the comment section

lets see how well you all can do. feel free to post em as you get them....maybe if you all work together you can get all 75.

p.s.tell your boss I am sorry for you not getting any work done today.

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

'THE RIGHT BROTHERS' COME TO BUSH'S DEFENSE

The Right Brothers, a conservative music duo out of Nashville, has released a new song that does what needed to be done: it tells the TRUTH. Titled Bush Was Right, the song hits the listener with fact after fact after fact - but the tune is so catchy, and the music is so driving, you can't help but sing along.

with Bush's approval numbers at an all time low (hovering at around 40% last time i checked) I would imagine that these guys don't have as large a fan base as they did say a year or two ago but hey...you have to give them credit for trying.

check out a clip of their 'great' (and by great I mean insanely stupid) song.

Monday, November 28, 2005

Back in April 2005, my brother Strider, created this here blog. Not long after, he invited me to ocassionally post. So just as our mom always encouraged, I tried it thinking I might like it - and I did! Though I'm sure you could already tell that by my more than ocassional posts. Now, inspired and with Strider's positive support, I've decided to try my hand at creating a blog from the ground up. I mean who knows, I might like it!

I welcome your readership at Belle Of The Brawl, while also encouraging you to join me in continued loyalty to my brother Strider and this here blog we've all come love, Sound Destruction.

Friday, November 25, 2005

RIP MR. MIYAGI

Actor Pat Morita Dies at 73

LOS ANGELES - Actor Pat Morita, whose portrayal of the wise and dry-witted Mr. Miyagi in "The Karate Kid" earned him an Oscar nomination, has died. He was 73.Daniel: You think you could break a log like that?Miyagi: Don't know. Never been attacked by a tree.

any other favorite quotes from mr miyagi or arnold? (or anything else pat was on for that matter?)

Thursday, November 24, 2005

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

Today American's are celebrating a national holiday. Thanksgiving. It's a day for families to gather and stuff themselves silly with a feast, the main course traditionally being turkey. It's also a day for reflection and giving thanks.

I have a lot to be thankful for but right now I'm especially thankful for Turkey. Obviously thankful that I will be dining on one later today. Thankful I'm not one because it would really make wearing stilettos problematic. Thankful our president's one for all the blog fodder it provides. And thankful for our readers from Turkey.

And not just Turkey. I'm thankful for all our readers and the blogger buddies who are the continued source of laughter and provoking thought that really keep this blog entertaining. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how thankful I am for all the friendships that blogsphere has afforded me.

Monday, November 21, 2005

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

The family & I are hitting the road, off to New Jersey to join Strider & family for Thanksgiving at my parent's and to catch up with family & friends as well. I think I've spent every one of my 35 years celebrating Thanksgiving with them. Watching the Macy's Day Parade then football while food's being prepared; feasting on my mom's outrageous traditional Thanksgiving feast which is always accompanied by sparkling cider and conversation that equally flows; to my favorite...pumpkin pie! *Mmmm*

Of course, a road trip for me wouldn't be complete without seeking "47" sightings and cool bumper stickers along the way. Speaking of, our blogger buddy, TLP, sent me the hillarious bumper sticker above to share with you all here. (thanks, TLP)

During my stay in NJ I'll continue to blog just with less frequency. To everyone traveling, I wish you and yours a safe, expedient, and entertaining trip. In the meantime, feel free to share your favorite Thanksgiving traditions along with how you entertain yourself when travelling.

Sunday, November 20, 2005

DOOR THWARTS BUSH'S EXIT STRATEGY

November 20th, 2005 7:05 pmLocked doors thwart Bush's bid to duck questionIrked by a reporter who told him he seemed to be "off his game" at a Beijing public appearance, President George W. Bush sought to make a hasty exit from a news conference but was thwarted by locked doors.not only is it funny watching this but I love that the reporters laughed at him.

(thanks to my wife, mrs strider for catching this on the news this evening)

Friday, November 18, 2005

BON APPETITE!

Silly signs humor me. And so does our blogger buddy Maine who normally does not delve into politics on his site but whose posts are always good for a laugh. Today, however, Maine's post happened to capture both in a sort of humbling way, and I encourage you to check it out.

Thursday, November 17, 2005

A SLICE OF HELL

My furriest of friends, Gabriel, brought this to my attention (originally posted by fellow blogger Wolfgang Pynchon). As Wolfgang pointed out in his post, this is actually a billboard ad for a pizza joint called Hell Pizza Deliveries in New Zealand. Is this amazing or what?!

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

GET IN THE SPIRIT

It's not even Thanksgiving yet and we're already saturated by the Christmas theme. Between the commercials on tv and radio, the holiday songs piped in to the malls and stores along with the decorations, it just drives me batty. I love the fall yet retail has deemed it's over. The nerve! And you know, it's not just the fall that's affected. Every season is pushed beyond recognition by retail. Try to buy winter clothes in January and you'll find the spring line instead. Can't wear them yet, but that's what's available. If you want 4th of July decorations, better start shopping in May because come July 4th, you'll only find Halloween decorations.

When I was shopping over the weekend surrounded by the saturation of the Christmas theme, I found myself actually resenting it. Why can't retail just let us enjoy the last few weeks of fall leading into Thanksgiving then commence the saturation. I know, I know, the economy, and profits, and blah, blah, blah. But does retail really think we can't shop for Christmas unless it's decorated as such? Really, are we all that dumb? Well, then again we collectively elected George Bush. Twice.

The good news is our blogger buddy Actonbell's post yesterday helped me find my inner premature Christmas spirit. So join me with your mug of hot cider as we circle around the beautiful foliaged tree, and all sing along...

(To the tune of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town.")You better watch out,You better not lie,You better not cheat,We're telling you why,Wal-Mart Watch is coming to town!

We're holding eventsIn every state,To show how Wal Mart discriminatesWal-Mart Watch is coming to town!

Sunday, November 13, 2005

MORE TORTURE

(Source) The US Senate voted 90-9 early last month to attach an amendment authored by Republican Senator John McCain to a defense spending bill that would prohibit "cruel, inhuman or degrading" treatment of detainees in US custody. But the White House has threatened to veto the measure and has lobbied senators to have the language removed or modified to allow an exemption for the CIA.

Why?! So the network of covert CIA prisons can be the next Abu Graib or GITMO?

But McCain, who appeared on CBS's "Face the Nation" program, said White House negotiators led by Vice President Richard Cheney were pushing to safeguard the option of using the enhanced interrogation techniques in order to get information from detainees in extraordinary circumstances.

Dick Cheney is as evil as they come.

The senator said he disagreed with that approach because he was worried about the damage to the image of the United States.

Damage control for our image. Now there's a novel concept.

"I hold no brief for the terrorists," he said. "But it's not about them. It's about us. This battle we're in is about the things we stand for and believe in and practice. And that is an observance of human rights, no matter how terrible our adversaries may be."

Saturday, November 12, 2005

TERRORIST!

adj : characteristic of someone who employs terrorism (especially as a political weapon); "terrorist activity"; "terrorist state" n : a radical who employs terror as a political weapon; usually organizes with other terrorists in small cells; often uses religion as a cover for terrorist activities

From the November 8 broadcast of Fox News' The Radio Factor with Bill O'Reilly:

O'REILLY: Hey, you know, if you want to ban military recruiting, fine, but I'm not going to give you another nickel of federal money. You know, if I'm the president of the United States, I walk right into Union Square, I set up my little presidential podium, and I say, "Listen, citizens of San Francisco, if you vote against military recruiting, you're not going to get another nickel in federal funds. Fine. You want to be your own country? Go right ahead.

And if Al Qaeda comes in here and blows you up, we're not going to do anything about it. We're going to say, look, every other place in America is off limits to you, except San Francisco. You want to blow up the Coit Tower? Go ahead."

WELL MET

Condi Rice presents Mr. Met, the latest in a long line of FEMA directors. An obvious choice due to the disastrous state of the Mets of late.

Hubby's Met-loving-republican-brother and my SIL are in for a visit. Mind you we're a Yankee and democrat household! To avoid any altercations, we will likely be watching a lot of VH1 Classics because that's something we all enjoy. And, well, my SIL and I would much rather spend our time out shopping than making trips to the hospital!

Friday, November 11, 2005

LUCKY 11

Happy 11/11 - Make a Wish!

Okay, you all know what a freak I am about 47, right? Well for those of you who don't already know, I'm just as crazy about 11-11. See, it's the only time of day (or date) when all 4 digits are the same. That's why whenever it's 11:11 (am/pm), I always say "it's eleven-eleven, make a wish!".

Now being that today is 11/11, the one day a year when all 4 digits are the same, you should not only make a wish, but recognize something special will happen to you today. Call me crazy, but it's true, and when you recognize it you'll realize that's because today's eleven-eleven!

And for those of you whose wish is to beat some sense into the likes of Bush and Rummy, I encourage you to scroll on down to Strider's post below and make your wish come true now!

TODAY'S THE DAY!

Just a few more visitors today, and we're poised to reach 10,000 hits. Not too shabby and especially cool considering we long ago abandoned the likes of Blog Explosion, which means our unique hits come from you, our loyal lurkers and blog pals.

Wonder who the lucky visitor will be. Strider and I were trying to decide how to acknowledge this milestone visit and decided the least we could do is a post highlighting you and your blog, though we're open to suggestion.

So check the site meter at the end and be sure to let us know if it's you. And on behalf of Strider and myself, thanks all. :)

I haven't watched The West Wing for a long time, but I was curious about the "live debate" episode last night, so I tuned in. It was interesting yet a little bizarre. Nonetheless, I found the cross over into our current political climate amusing. "I'll never go to war for oil" and "I voted for it before I voted against it" for example.

But there was one exchange that impressed me. I have been scouring the Internet since last night trying to find the script so I could quote it verbatim for you, but to no avail (anyone who finds it, let me know!), so I'm going by memory here.

Democratic candidate Santos (Jimmy Smits) had an exchange with Republican candidate, Vinick (played by Alan Alda) about his negative connotations in leveling the term "liberal". Vinick retaliated by accusing liberals of being the ones ashamed by the title, as evidenced by their changing it to "progressive".

Santos responded by pointing out liberals were the ones who pioneered and brought about the end of segregation, won the right to vote for women and African-Americans, created Social Security in an effort to help offset poverty among the elderly, and brought about Medicare, the Voting Rights Act and the Clean Water Act. Then, he drove it home the pointing out conservatives opposed every single one of those things. And finally if Vinick wanted to throw the term liberal derogatorily at his feet, he'd pick it up and wear it like a badge of honor.

Okay it was a tad melodramatic but it did impress me. And I'm not pointing this out to knock conservatives, but it's about damn time someone more vocal than just a gal with a laptop in Virginia made this point - regardless of the Rovian-inspired smear campaigns, Liberal is not a dirty word!

Saturday, November 05, 2005

NOT ALL VIRGINIANS ARE POLARIZED IDIOTS!

I came across this disturbing image on a color trifold GOP flyer with the title "One Clear Choice" in today's mail. I also heard on the news today that Bush will be in the area on Monday for a Kilgore rally. Hey, maybe Dubya will bring along that guitar he can't play!

But seriously, can someone explain to me with Bush's approval ratings tanking big time, his administration coming under fire and indictment, and with an increasing number of GOPers on Capitol Hill distancing themselves from him, how anyone in their right mind would align themselves with Bush?

Remember how I was asking is Virginia that far behind the times? What a disgrace.

Friday, November 04, 2005

SAY NO TO BIGOTRY IN VA

(I wonder if Kaine's laughing at Kilgore's salmon shirt!)

I've been following Virginia's Gubernatorial race with interest. And disgust. I think Tim Kaine has been pretty weak by catering his message too much around perceived broad appeal instead of just standing behind his convictions. On the other hand, Jerry Kilgore doesn't give a flying fuck what people think about his convictions which in turn exposes his blatant expressions of bigotry.

Don't believe me? Watch this clip from October 9th Gubernatorial debate and his response to Question 11 Gay Couples(note link provides video clip for this exchange & others and requires Real Time Player) and see for yourself. He flat out says he does not support Civil Unions or Gay Marriage and he's against gay parenting.

This just grinds me. How is it possible that in the 21st century I live in a state where it's acceptable to campaign on intolerance and prejudice? Is Virginia that far behind the times? Really, I just don't understand the prejudice. What is so vile and wrong about loving someone who happens to be of the same gender? That's right, loving which equates to happiness.

"Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness" as stated in our Declaration of Independence applies to all Americans, not just the straight ones. So as I see it, Jerry Kilgore's bigotry defies this basic of unalienable rights, and as such he will not get my endorsement or my vote.

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Back in the day, hubby was a fan of metal and hair bands and was even himself a drummer in a hair band. I myself was more of a pop-'80s fan in high school, but I eventually joined the scene and ranks of trashy, tramped-out hair band groupies. Anyway, when hubby recently heard Stryper was touring again, he waxed nostalgic. And though I was never a Stryper fan myself, preferring my taste in male rockers look less pretty than me, I joined him on his very long trip down memory lane this weekend to North Carolina.

Waiting to be let in the theater Saturday night, I thought I was in the twilight zone. Hubby and I had been making bets on whether the crowd would be primarily metal heads or Jesus freaks. The latter prevailed. Big time. "Well the best thing about Stryper is they use their God-given talents for the Lord Our Savior Jesus Christ" was just one example of a barrage of similar comments I was surrounded by. Knowing my penchant for snark, hubby begged me to behave and I did, but it was really challenging. I have no problem with faith but this over the top stuff just drives me batty.

The band looked like aged posers clinging to their hay day by their fingernails as did most of the audience. And let me tell you, when they played "To Hell With The Devil" and the crowd went wild, I went hysterical (though to his credit, Michael Sweet hasn't lost one bit of his voice and range). When the band did their traditional bible throwing, I was again grateful hubby insisted on back row seats so we could make a quick get away before the show-ending 10 minute prayer. I was also grateful because it turned out the guy who sat next to me was in the same boat I was, so we rolled eyes together. A lot. And eventually hubby joined us. I guess you could say misery loves company.